US-Israel-Iran War News LIVE: Iraq Cuts Oil Output To 1.4 Million BPD Amid West Asia Conflict

The UK Defence Secretary has warned that there are increasing signs suggesting Iran may have begun placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.

Speaking on the situation, the defence chief said intelligence indicators were becoming “clearer and clearer” that Iranian forces could have started mining the strategic waterway.

“The Iranians may have started mining the Strait of Hormuz,” the UK Defence Secretary said, highlighting growing concerns about the safety of international shipping passing through the area, Bloomberg reporter Javier Blas said.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, believes the conflict involving Iran could end within weeks as rising oil prices increase global pressure.

Jean Boivin, head of the BlackRock Investment Institute, said the current surge in oil prices may not be sustainable for long. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, he noted that the global economy would struggle to cope with crude prices staying above 100 dollars for an extended period.

“I don’t think the world can sustain months of $100+ and people will react to that,” Boivin said.

According to him, the timeline for the conflict ending is likely shorter than many expect. While it may not conclude in a matter of days, he said the situation is unlikely to drag on for several months.

“That’s why we think this is not days, for sure, but it’s not months either. Maybe a couple of months, but it’s not months. We’re in the realm of weeks,” he added.

Oil markets appear to be paying less attention to statements from the US administration as crude prices continue to climb. Analysts say investors are focusing more on the situation on the ground rather than political messaging.

Jordan Rochester, executive director at Mizuho Bank, said the outlook for global energy supplies is becoming increasingly uncertain. According to him, conditions in the market are worsening rather than improving.

He noted that markets are waiting for President Donald Trump to convincingly argue that the conflict involving Iran has ended. Until there is clarity, he warned that oil prices are likely to remain unstable.

Despite efforts by Trump to frame rising crude prices as beneficial for the United States, oil prices have climbed while stock markets have weakened. The President has previously said that higher oil prices could help the US economy, adding that the country would “make a lot of money”.

However, Rochester suggested that financial markets may soon begin to ignore attempts by the US administration to reassure investors. Instead, markets may focus more on real developments affecting energy supply.

The Energy Agency has also warned that the conflict involving Iran has created one of the biggest shocks ever seen in the oil market. Even after governments released some global reserves, fund managers believe there remains a significant supply shortfall.

Rochester said markets may eventually reach a point where the crisis is largely priced in and volatility begins to ease. For now, he said, that stage has not yet been reached.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that on Thursday raised concerns over the presence of the Iran Soccer Team at the World Cup, saying he believes it may not be appropriate for them to participate due to safety risks.

“The Iran Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” said Trump in a post on Truth Social.

US-Israel-Iran War News LIVE: Thailand has sought an apology from Iran after a Thai bulk carrier was struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, Bangkok’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Three vessels were reportedly hit in the strategic waterway near Iran. While two ships sustained damage, the Thai vessel caught fire, forcing its crew to evacuate.

According to Reuters, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the ship was “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” escalating tensions in the vital oil shipping corridor.

US President Donald Trump said the United States remains the world’s largest oil producer and benefits financially when global oil prices rise, but stressed that his primary concern is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

In a post, Trump said the United States produces more oil than any other country and gains economically when prices increase. However, he said the larger issue for him as president is stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which he warned could threaten stability in the Middle East and beyond.

He added that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear arms under any circumstances and described it as a critical matter for global security.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and ongoing geopolitical strains in the region.

In his first message since becoming Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed, signalling a hardline stance amid rising regional tensions.

Khamenei also issued strong warnings directed at the United States and its allies, declaring, “We will not forgo revenge for the blood of the martyrs.”

He further emphasised the strategic importance of the waterway, stating, “The tool for closing the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved, and if necessary, other fronts must be opened.”

In another remark, Khamenei said Iran seeks peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but warned that military actions would continue against American forces in the region. He stated, “We believe in friendship with our neighbors, but we will target the American bases and will inevitably continue.”

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Security Council of Iran, issued a sharp warning in response to remarks by Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran’s electricity infrastructure.

Referring to Trump’s statement, Larijani said, “Trump has said ‘we can take apart Iran’s electric capacity within one hour, but we have not done it.'”

He further warned that any such move would have wider consequences across the region, stating, “Well, if they do that, the whole region will go dark in less than half an hour and darkness provides ample opportunity to hunt down US servicemen running for safety.”

Responding to a question from ANI on measures being taken to prevent disruptions in household LPG supply, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said the government is managing both demand and supply to maintain steady availability of LPG in the domestic market.

She said, “LPG supply in the domestic market depends upon the management of both demand and supply. The government is taking action on all fronts. As far as the supply is concerned, we are putting in efforts and we are trying to increase the domestic production of our LPG. At the same time, wherever imports are possible, that is also actively happening…The booking period has increased from 21 to 25 days for urban households. The second important thing is the prioritisation of the households. So, it is ensured that there is no shortage of supply for the domestic households.”

Sharma also said discussions have been held with officials from the Delhi government regarding additional supply through commercial cylinders. She stated, “A detailed discussion has happened with the chief secretary of the Delhi government, and it has been decided that the oil marketing companies will be releasing some commercial cylinders, 19 kg cylinders also. But then the role of state government or the union territory is very important, to ensure that the distribution happens in a transparent manner, in a prioritised manner…”

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States Navy is currently not prepared to begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

He stated, “It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready.”

Wright added that “All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities.”

The government stated that the country currently has around 25,000 LPG distributors, supplying nearly 50 lakh (5 million) gas cylinders every day at the distribution level.

Authorities said there have been no reports of gas shortages or dry-outs anywhere in the country so far, but a noticeable spike in cylinder bookings is being seen due to panic buying among consumers.

India’s crude oil supply remains stable and there is no immediate concern regarding the availability of petroleum products, a senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the ministry, said India’s large refining capacity provides assurance about the steady supply of fuels such as petrol and diesel.

“…As far as the crude is concerned, the situation is quite comfortable. I also told you yesterday that we use almost 55 lakh barrels of oil every day. We are the fourth-largest refiner in the world. This is something that gives us a lot of comfort in terms of the availability of products like petrol and diesel.”

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has issued a strong warning, saying any attack on Iranian territory would trigger a severe response.

He said any aggression against Iran would force the country to abandon restraint and retaliate forcefully. The speaker also warned that the consequences would be the responsibility of former US President Donald Trump.

According to the statement, any attack on Iran would lead the country to “abandon all restraint and make the Persian Gulf run with the blood of invaders,” adding that the “blood of American soldiers is Trump’s personal responsibility.”

Iran has denied involvement in the attack on Oman’s oil facilities, calling it a “false flag operation”. In a post on X, the Iran Embassy SA said, “The attack on Oman’s oil facilities is a false flag operation. Iran had no role in it.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has eliminated Abu Dharr Mohammadi, the operations commander in the IRGC’s missile unit within Hezbollah in Beirut, according to an official statement.

Mohammadi was a key figure responsible for coordination between Hezbollah and Iran and played an important role in rebuilding Hezbollah’s missile program after Operation Northern Arrows, said IDF.

India is reviewing requests from several neighbouring countries seeking diesel supplies, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, particularly to countries in its neighbourhood. He noted that Bangladesh has recently requested diesel supplies and the matter is currently under consideration.

“…India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have received a request from the government of Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is being examined…It bears mention that while diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2017, India’s refining capacity, our own requirements and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions. We have also received such requests from several other countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives and these are being examined, taking into account our own energy requirements and availability that we have.”

US Central Command said it is acting to neutralise Iran’s capacity to threaten American forces and regional partners.

“We are eliminating Iran’s ability to threaten American forces and regional partners through lethality and precision.”

A Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying crude from Saudi Arabia has arrived at Mumbai Port, becoming the first vessel bound for India to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran–US conflict.

The tanker, Shenlong Suezmax, had loaded Saudi crude at Ras Tanura port on March 1 and departed on March 3. According to maritime tracking data, the ship entered the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 but temporarily disappeared from tracking systems while navigating the sensitive stretch.

Reports indicate that the vessel switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while passing through the high-risk area of the strait. It later reappeared on tracking platforms on March 9.

The transponder is a mandatory maritime VHF radio system that automatically broadcasts a ship’s identity, position, speed, and course to nearby vessels and shore stations to prevent collisions and improve navigation.

India has joined other countries in co-sponsoring a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-led resolution at the United Nations Security Council, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the resolution has received wide international support and reflects India’s key concerns, including the safety and welfare of its large diaspora in Gulf countries and the region’s importance for India’s energy security.

“Yes, have co-sponsored the GCC-led resolution at the UN Security Council. We have 135 countries that have co-sponsored this particular resolution. The resolution reflects several of our positions, that we have a large diaspora in the GCC countries, and their well-being and welfare are of utmost importance. The Gulf is also very important for our energy security needs…”

India granted permission for Iranian naval ships to dock at its ports after receiving a request from Iran in February, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament earlier this month, explaining that Iran had sought approval for three ships to dock at Indian ports.

“The External Affairs Minister had made a suo moto statement in the Parliament on 9th March and there he had conveyed that Iran had requested permission on 20th February for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. The permission was accorded on 1st March. IRIS Lavan docked on 4th March in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities. We will keep you updated on further developments in this regard.”

India on Thursday dismissed Pakistan’s comments on the India–Canada deal, asserting that New Delhi’s non-proliferation credentials are widely recognised by the international community.

Responding to the remarks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s statement was an attempt to divert attention from its own record on nuclear proliferation.

“We reject this statement made by Pakistan on the matter. India’s credentials regarding non-proliferation are impeccable and well recognised by the global community. A country with a well-documented history of clandestine nuclear proliferation can hardly preach the virtues of export controls and proliferation risks. Such ludicrous statements are nothing more than an attempt by Pakistan to distract from its own abysmal record.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with several leaders in the Gulf region following the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, emphasising the importance of diplomacy and the safety of civilians, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister highlighted the need for dialogue to restore peace while also stressing the protection of civilians and the welfare of the large Indian diaspora living in Gulf countries.

“The Prime Minister has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf after the conflict started. In these conversations, he stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy so that early peace can return. He also underlined the need to avoid civilian casualties and he focused on the protection of civilians. We have a large Indian community in the GCC countries and their security and welfare are of utmost importance. This was highlighted. We also, in several cases, condemned the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states…”

Reacting to the criticism by Opposition, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that India had already conveyed its condolences at the Iranian Embassy, responding to recent public remarks on the issue.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the Foreign Secretary had signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on the very first day it was opened.

“As you are aware, the Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy on behalf of the Government of India. He did so on 5th March itself, which was the first day of the opening of the book. It would do well for commentators to first update themselves on important matters before they choose to speak in public; such ill-informed comments are best avoided.”

India is facilitating the movement of its nationals from Iran through neighbouring countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, as tensions in the region continue to impact travel and safety conditions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is helping Indian citizens relocate to safer areas within Iran while also assisting those who wish to leave the country through land borders and return home via commercial flights.

“We’ve had about 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, seafarers, business people, professionals and some pilgrims…Several Indian nationals, mostly students, left the country and reached home. We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country. We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings.”

He added, “We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings…”

India is facilitating the movement of its nationals from Iran through neighbouring countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, as tensions in the region continue to impact travel and safety conditions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is helping Indian citizens relocate to safer areas within Iran while also assisting those who wish to leave the country through land borders and return home via commercial flights.

“We’ve had about 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, seafarers, business people, professionals and some pilgrims…Several Indian nationals, mostly students, left the country and reached home. We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country. We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings. We’ve had several Indian nationals who have approached us and we have helped them to cross over into Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights back home. I would take this opportunity to advise all Indian nationals who desire to leave Iran via land borders. They should adhere to the advisory that our embassy has issued…”

He added, “…We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings…”

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said India’s external affairs minister has held three conversations with his Iranian counterpart over the past few days amid the ongoing conflict.

“Our External Affairs Minister has been talking with his Iranian counterpart, and three conversations have happened in the recent few days. As far as the impact of the war, it is there for everybody to see what’s happening around. Several of our lives have been impacted by it, not just ours, but of people and countries around the world.”

Airstrikes killed at least nine Iran-backed fighters near the Iraq–Syria border on Thursday, according to two senior Iraqi security cited by AFP. Another 10 fighters were injured in the strikes, which targeted a base belonging to the US-blacklisted group Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, the officials said on condition of anonymity.

The death toll may rise, according to the officials.

Kuwait Airport sustained damage after coming under drone fire on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The strikes occurred amid ongoing Iranian attacks on Gulf countries.

“The civil aviation announces that Kuwait Airport was targeted by several drones, resulting only in material damage,” the statement said. Authorities emphasised that no casualties were reported during the incident.

The attack is part of a series of retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf infrastructure following US-Israel actions against Tehran. While airport operations may be temporarily affected due to the damage, officials assured the public that essential services and safety measures are in place to manage flights and passenger movement.

A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, the Shenlong carrying crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port safely reached Mumbai after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first India-bound vessel to do so since the conflict between Iran and the United States intensified.

Shipping data shows it sailed through the strait on March 8 before docking in Mumbai this week, a development seen as a positive sign for India’s energy supply amid disrupted maritime traffic.